Physician Assistant Studies Courses

All physician assistant courses require admission to the School of Physician Assistant Studies. The full list of courses, along with degree requirements, can be found in the online academic catalog.

PA 554/558/559 Fundamentals of Anatomy I/II/III
Introductory study of gross and histological structure of the human body. Introduction into musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. Phase I. Credits: 1 each

PA 556 Genetics
Study of the basic concepts of genetics, genetic testing and social, legal, and ethical implications of genetic testing. Summer Phase I. Credits: 1

PA 553 Fundamentals of Clinical Medicine
Study of physiological systems and/or organs with application to clinical situations, principles of nutrition and introduction to pharmacology. Summer Phase I. Credits: 6

PA 530 Clinical History
Introduction to obtaining and documenting an appropriate medical history. The medical record as a legal document will be discussed. Review of patient confidentiality will be emphasized. Practice on other students and participation at local clinics. Summer Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 510 Current Topics in the PA Profession
Overview of the healthcare delivery system including public health, health policy, cultural issues, international healthcare, alternative medicine, introduction to problem based learning and current roles of physician assistants. Summer Phase I. Credits: 2

PA 595 Introduction to Evidence Based Healthcare
Introduction to review of medical literature and principles of evidence-based health care. Summer Phase I. Credits: 2

CHP 550 Foundations for Interprofessional Practice, Equity, and Inclusion
This course promotes the development of essential skills and attitudes needed in order to function effectively in an interprofessional healthcare community. Spring Phase I. Credits 1

The Clinical Medicine (CM) module series is a comprehensive and integrated approach to learning medicine by organ systems. There is a strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, case-based learning and evidence based clinical practice. Clinical medicine modules will include:

  • Advanced study of human anatomy with laboratory sessions on cadaver prosections and selected dissection opportunities
  • Advanced study of human physiology with clinical applications
  • Study of the etiology and pathophysiology of disease states
  • Performance of history and physical examinations with attention to charting and developing a differential diagnosis. Practice on other students and participation at local clinics
  • Overview of the selection, use, and interpretation of results of laboratory and diagnostic studies
  • Study of disease states including the epidemiology, history, physical examination, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, management, and prognosis
  • Recognition of behavioral medicine issues on disease states commonly seen in the medical setting
  • Pharmacological principles of routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and toxicology, drug classes, disease management, use in patient types
  • Identification and initiation of treatment for emergencies
  • Comparison of the clinical presentation and management of disease states in the geriatric population vs. the general population
  • Preventive health care, patient education, and health maintenance recommendations
  • Application of the principles evidence based clinical practice
  • Objective evaluation of interviewing and history taking skills utilizing the Leicester Assessment Package (LAP)

PA 581 CM Infection and Immunology
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning infectious disease and immunology. Summer Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 582 CM Dermatology, Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning dermatology, ophthalmology, and otolaryngology. Fall Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 571 CM Nephrology
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning nephrology. Fall Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 576 CM Hematology and Oncology
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning hematology and oncology. Fall Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 583 CM Pulmonary Medicine
A comprehensive and integrated approach to pulmonary medicine. Fall Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 585 CM Cardiology and ECG
A comprehensive and integrated approach to cardiology and electrocardiogram. Fall Phase I. Credits: 4

PA 586 CM Gastroenterology
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning gastroenterology. Fall Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 577 CM Endocrinology
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning endocrinology. Fall Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 591 CM Musculoskeletal
A comprehensive and integrated approach to orthopedics and rheumatology. Clinical skill sessions on splinting. Spring Phase I. Credits: 4

PA 590 CM Neurology
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning neurology. Spring Phase I. Credits: 4

PA 520 CM Behavioral Medicine
Psychiatric conditions, counseling and communication skills, substance abuse, culture, ethnicity, and health-related behavior with an emphasis on creating a competency in the diagnosis, treatment, management and referral of psychiatric conditions. Summer Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 593 CM Pediatric Medicine
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning pediatric medicine. Spring Phase I. Credits: 3

PA 557 CM Geriatrics
Study of the unique physiologic, emotional and social aspects of the aging patient. Spring Phase I. Credits: 1

PA 589 CM Genitourinary/Sexual Health
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning genitourinary/sexual health. Spring Phase I. Credits: 5

PA 596 CM Emergency Medicine
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning emergency medicine. Clinical skill sessions on suturing, IV's, and ACLS certification. Summer Phase II. Credits: 4

PA 597 CM Surgery, Hospital Care
A comprehensive and integrated approach to learning surgery and inpatient medicine. Clinical skill sessions on sterile technique and gowning/gloving. Summer Phase II. Credits: 3

PA 599 Whole Patient
A comprehensive and integrated approach to the whole patient. Clinical skill sessions on patient interviewing, physical exam skills and charting/coding. Summer Phase II. Credits: 3

PA 630 Family Medicine Rotation
Clinical rotation for 12 weeks in a family practice medical office setting preferably in a rural or community setting to include the care of adults, women and children. Phase II. Credits: 12

PA 631 Internal Medicine Rotation
Clinical rotation for 6 weeks in an internal medicine practice medical office setting. Phase II. Credits: 6

PA 633 Inpatient Medicine Rotation
Clinical rotation for 6 weeks in an in-patient setting including required readings in medicine practice. Phase II. Credits: 6

PA 634 Surgery Rotation
Clinical rotation for 6 weeks in a surgical setting with an emphasis on inpatient, outpatient, and the surgical arena. Phase II. Credits: 6

PA 636 Emergency Medicine Rotation
Clinical rotation for 6 weeks in an emergency department or trauma care setting. Phase II. Credits: 6

PA 637 Primary Care I Rotation
Clinical rotation for 6 weeks which focuses on the areas of primary care, specialties, community medicine, public health, or international/global health. Phase II. Credits: 6

PA 639 Primary Care II Rotation
Clinical rotation for 6 weeks which focuses on the areas of primary care, specialties, community medicine, or public health. Phase II. Credits: 6

PA 696 Clinical Graduate Project
Student conducts a clinical project followed by on-site presentation of results to PA faculty and other PA students with a final written paper of publishable quality and poster presentation. Professional practice issues seminars, Advanced Clinical Practice Skills, and journal club. Phase II. Credits: 6

PA 665 Professional Practice Seminar I
A seminar course dealing with professional practice issues, journal club, ethics, diversity, and to assist the students with the development of the clinical project proposal. Fall Phase II. Credits: 1

PA 666 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare
A seminar course dealing with professional practice issues, journal club, ethics and diversity. Fall Phase II. Credits: 1

PA 667 Professional Practice Seminar II
A seminar course dealing with professional practice issues, journal club, ethics and diversity. Spring Phase II. Credits: 1

PA 668 Professional Practice Seminar III
A seminar course dealing with professional practice issues, journal club, ethics and diversity. Final Summer Phase II. Credits: 1